Dubai IS all that! pt 3

What a fun day! As I mentioned in yesterday's post, we didn't get back from the desert event until late but we had to get up early the next morning for the hot air balloon ride that we had booked. We set our alarm for 3 a.m., got up and dressed and walked through the cruise port terminal where we waited outside to be picked up. The bus was about 30 minutes later than expected, so we were pooped before we even left. We're still recovering from all the fun, but it was totally worth it!!

We drove for maybe close to an hour out into the desert. I'm not sure how many from the ship went, but I would say perhaps 15 or 20 persons. We rode in several different vehicles. Each time, both coming and going, we rode with people we didn't know, so it was a good way to meet more ship people.

By the time we arrived, the balloons were set up and very close to lifting. We climbed into the balloon we were directed to - it's gondola held 20 people plus the pilot! Our pilot was very experienced and it was obvious how much he loves ballooning. 

 

getting closer to launch

 

getting balloons ready to launch before sun comes up

 

pilot giving us instructions

falconer and bird are going up with us!

After boarding, our pilot gave us very clear instructions on how to crouch down and press against the back of the gondola upon landing, even giving us a quick practice session. Somehow we were lucky to have a falconer and his bird with us. The bird made quite a bit of racket but his trainer assured me he was not scared or upset. During our flight, the falcon took several flights from the balloon, coming back to his reward of fresh meat each time.

Below: just as we were lifting off, we saw some camels that were saddled beneath us. We continued to rise and within the first 10-15 minutes, the sun rose over the desert. It was such an awesome sight!! 

 

camels saddled and ready to ride

up, up and away!

view of balloon beneath us

sunrise over the desert

 

The desert below was so beautiful! We saw a few animals (some saw giraffes but I did not) and lots of animal tracks and patterns in the sand. We floated over a camel farm as well. There were only about 5 balloons total and most of the time we were far apart. We floated above the desert for about an hour total before being brought back down with a soft and uneventful landing. 

 

houses below

floating peacefully over desert

beautiful desert landscape at sunrise

the falcon made several flights, returning for fresh meat each time

all quiet except when pilot fires fuel jets

Ronnie and his Texas flag that travels with him

just the 2 of us (+18 others) ha!

 

neighboring balloon

 

Pardon me for over posting photos - it's hard to narrow them down! But if you've never been up in a hot air balloon before, hopefully it will give you a better feel for the view from "up yonder."

see the animals running below?

beautiful wind patterns

falcons eyes are hooded

sand drifts make beautiful designs

see the animal tracks?

lots of tracks here!

taking turns holding falcon

heavily tracked area

YES to a safe landing!

 

support crew breaking down balloon

 

After our flight, we were taken to another place where an outdoor buffet breakfast was set up and waiting on us. To our surprise, there were also a couple of camels with saddles and a couple of horses for anyone who wanted to take a ride around the area. I got on one (with the help of a chair!) for a photo op, but having ridden a camel a few years back, I didn't care to go for a spin. The worst part (after getting up there) is when the camel stands up or lies back down. You really do have to hang on at those angles!

 

we enjoyed a breakfast buffet before heading back to the port

 

It was a fun and peaceful ride and worth getting only 3 hours sleep for. After being driven back to the ship, we showered and took naps and then headed to the Mall of Dubai - the largest mall in the world. I'll share those photos in my next post.